Introduction
Imam Hasan ibn Ali [popularly known as Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (PBUH)], the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), holds a significant place in Islamic history as the second Imam of the Ahl al-Bayt and a symbol of peace, patience, and generosity. His birth was a moment of immense joy for the Prophet, who named him Hasan, meaning “goodness” or “beauty.” As the firstborn son of Imam Ali (PBUH) and Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra (PBUH), his arrival was not just a personal blessing for the Prophet’s household but also a milestone in the spiritual and historical continuity of Islam.
The commemoration of Imam Hasan’s (PBUH) birthday has remained an important event in Islamic tradition, serving as an occasion for reflection on his virtues, leadership, and contributions to the Muslim community. His life was marked by his commitment to justice, wisdom, and selflessness, making him a role model for believers across generations. Various Islamic communities celebrate this day with acts of charity, gatherings, and discussions on his teachings, reinforcing his lasting impact on Islamic thought and spirituality. This paper explores the historical context of Imam Hasan’s (PBUH) birth, its theological significance, and how his birthday is commemorated across different Muslim societies. By examining the ethical and social lessons derived from his life, this study highlights the continued relevance of Imam Hasan’s (PBUH) legacy in the contemporary world.
His Lineage
Imam Hasan is a grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUHH). His father is the Commander of the Faithful, Hazrat Ali ibn Abi-Talib. His mother is the beloved daughter and the only surviving child of the Holy Prophet of Islam; Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra (the leader of the women of the Universe). His younger brother is Imam Husain who along with him is referred by the Holy Prophet as the Chiefs of the youth of the Paradise. Many times, the Prophet had said: “Hasan and Husain are my children”. Because of this, Ali would refer to his other children, “You are my children and Hasan and Husain are the children of the Prophet.”
His Birth
Imam Hasan (PBUH) was born in Medina on the fifteenth of Ramadan in the third year after Hijrah. His mother, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH) brought him to the Prophet (peace be upon him and his Family) on the seventh day in a silken shawl from heaven, which Gabriel had brought down to the Prophet, may Allāh bless him and his Family. He called him Ḥasan and sacrificed a ram for him (in the ceremony of ‘aqīqa)[1]. Meanwhile, the word “al-Hasan” in Arabic means good or beautiful.
His birth was a momentous occasion, not only for his family but for the entire Muslim ummah, as he was the first grandson of the Prophet (PBUH) and the firstborn child of Imam Ali (PBUH) and Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (PBUH). His arrival further strengthened the spiritual and familial bonds within the Ahl al-Bayt, who were destined to play a crucial role in the future of Islam. This naming carried deep spiritual significance, as it symbolized goodness, beauty, and virtue—qualities that Imam Hasan (PBUH) would embody throughout his life.
His Teknonym and Epithets
His teknonym was Abu Muhammad or Abu al-Qasim[2], and epithets such as al-Mujtaba (the Chosen One), al-Sayyid (Master), and al-Zaki (the Pure One) have been used for him[3]. Besides, several epithets have been commonly used for him and Imam al-Husain (PBUH), such as Sayyid Shabab Ahl al-Janna (the Master of the Youths of Paradise), Rayhanat Nabi Allah (The Flower of the Prophet of God)[4], and al-Sibt (the Grandson)[5].
His Early Years
Growing up under the direct supervision of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Hasan (PBUH) was nurtured in an environment of piety, knowledge, and compassion. He was raised alongside his younger brother, Imam Husayn (PBUH), in a household that exemplified the highest ethical and moral values. The Prophet’s deep love for his grandsons was evident in numerous sayings, including his famous statement: “ Al-Hasan and Al-Husain are the chiefs of the youths of Paradise[6].”
This prophetic recognition of his status foreshadowed the immense role that Imam Hasan (PBUH) would play in guiding the Muslim community, advocating peace, and preserving the essence of Islam.
Thus, the historical context of Imam Hasan’s (PBUH) birth is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and historical evolution of Islam. His arrival was not merely a familial event but a pivotal moment in the unfolding of divine guidance, ensuring that the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would continue through the righteous leadership of Ahl al-Bayt.
His Status and Personality
According to several reports from both Sunni and Shia scholars, Hazrat Hasan (PBUH) is a member of the pure household (Ahl al-Bayt), those according to the Quran[7] have been cleansed and purified of all filths and abominations[8]. He (PBUH) is also among the nearest kinsfolks[9], whose love and loyalty have been made mandatory for the entire Muslims[10]. Hazrat Hasan (PBUH) is a member of the holy household (i.e. Āli-Muhammad) to whom the believers have been ordered to do benedictions in the Quran[11]. He (PBUH) is also a part of the divine delegate through which the genuineness and superiority of Islam were established against the leaders of the Najran Christian in the event of Malediction (Mubahilah)[12]. He and his brother; Imam Husain were the manifestation of “Our sons[13]” [the sons of the Muslim community] during this historical event. Hazrat Hasan (PBUH) is a member of the pure household who has been promised Paradise in the glorious Quran[14] for their extraordinary sacrifice to humanity.
From the Prophetic tradition, it is clear that Imam Hasan is indeed an inmate of Paradise, and above all, he is the chief and the leader of the youth of Paradise. Likewise, Imam Hasan (PBUH) is part of the Prophet and the Prophet is part of Husain. Loving him is tantamount to loving the Prophet and disliking him is tantamount to disliking the Prophet. Whoever loves the Prophet is loved by Allah and shall be an inmate of Paradise. Whoever dislikes the Prophet is disliked by Allah and will be an inmate of Hellfire.
In human perfection, Imam Hassan was reminiscent of his father and a perfect example of his noble grandfather. It is reported by a group (of authorities), including Aḥmad ibn Ṣāliḥ al-Tamīmī, on the authority of ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Īsa on the authority of Ja‘far al-Ṣādiq ibn Muḥammed, peace be on him: Al-Ḥasan, peace be upon him, was the most similar person to Apostle of Allāh, may Allāh bless him and his family, in form, manner and nobility[15].
He was highly refined and brought up in line with Islam’s teachings by his grandfather, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his household), his father, the Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH), and his mother, the Chief of the women of the Universe, Lady Fatima Zahra (PBUH), through excellent examples and direct daily guidance.
Ibrāhim ibn ‘Alī al-Rāfi‘ī reported on the authority of his father, on the authority of his grandmother Zainab, daughter of Abū Rāfi‘ī, and Shabīb b. Abī Rāfi‘ al-Rāfi‘ī on the authority of those who told him – she said: Fāṭima (peace be on her) brought her two sons, al-Ḥasan and al-Ḥussain (peace be on them) to the Apostle of Allāh (may Allāh bless him and his family) at the time when he was suffering from the sickness from which he died. “Apostle of Allāh,” she said, “These are your two (grand)sons. Give them something as an inheritance” “As for al-Ḥasan”, he replied, “He has my form and my nobility. As for al-Ḥusayn, he has my generosity and my bravery[16]”
Muḥib al-Dīn Ṭabarī has narrated that Mu’āwīyah said to the Imam Hasan (PBUH): Stand up and deliver a sermon for the people. Abū Sa’īd has said that: The following was a part of what the Imam (PBUH) said: “Oh people, whoever knows me, knows me and whoever does not know me, I am Hasan ibn Ali ibn Abī Ṭālib. I am the son of the Prophet of God (peace be upon him and his household). I am the son of the one who gave glad tidings. I am the son of the one who warned. I am the son of the bright light. I am the son of the decoration of the heavens. I am the son of he who was commissioned as the mercy to the worlds. I am the son of he who was sent to the Jinns and the humans. I am the son of he whom the earth was made a place of prostration and was made pure for. I am the son of he whom God kept away impurity from and made him completely pure[17].”
Celebrations and Commemoration of His Birth
The birth of Imam Hasan ibn Ali (PBUH) has been a significant event in Islamic history, observed with reverence and joy by the followers of Ahl al-Bayt (PBUH). From the earliest days of Islam, his birthday was recognized as a momentous occasion, as he was the first grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the firstborn in the household of Ahl al-Bayt.
During the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the birth of Imam Hasan (PBUH) was met with immense joy and gratitude. After the Prophet’s passing, his family and close companions continued to hold gatherings to remember Imam Hasan’s (PBUH) virtues and contributions, particularly among the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUH).
Over the centuries, different Muslim communities have commemorated his birth in various ways, emphasizing his role as a leader, a symbol of generosity, and a beacon of moral excellence. While historical and cultural differences exist in how Imam Hasan’s (PBUH) birth is commemorated, his legacy of peace, unity, and generosity is a common theme among Muslims. His life serves as an inspiration for both Sunni and Shia Muslims, emphasizing the values of patience and reconciliation in the face of adversity, charity and social justice as a core Islamic practice, love, and respect for the Prophet’s (PBUH) family, as emphasized in both Sunni and Shia traditions. The commemoration of Imam Hasan’s birth not only honors his memory but also reinforces the importance of Ahl al-Bayt (PBUH) in Islamic spirituality and ethics.
Conclusion
The birthday of Imam Hasan ibn Ali (PBUH) is not merely a celebration of a historical event, but a reflection of his immense spiritual, theological, and social significance in the history of Islam. As the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the second Imam of the Ahl al-Bayt, Imam Hasan’s life and character provide a deep well of ethical teachings, leadership principles, and religious insights that continue to resonate with Muslims across the world.
As we commemorate the birth of Imam Hasan (PBUH), we are reminded of his exemplary qualities, which have had a lasting impact on Islamic thought and practice. His teachings encourage us to embrace humility, practice generosity, and strive for unity. By reflecting on his life and the lessons it imparts, Muslims can renew their commitment to the spiritual and ethical principles that form the bedrock of a just and compassionate society. Ultimately, the birthday of Imam Hasan (PBUH) is not only a celebration of his life but a call to live by the virtues he embodied, ensuring that his legacy continues to shape the spiritual and social well-being of the Muslim community for generations to come.
References:
[1] . Sheikh Mufid, Kitab al-Irhad, p. 254.
[2] . Ibn Shahrāshūb, al-Manāqib, vol. 4, p. 29; Majlisī, Biḥār al-anwār, vol. 44, p. 35.
[3] . Ibn Shahrāshūb, al-Manāqib, vol. 4, p. 29.
[4] . Ibn Ṣabbāgh Mālikī, al-Fuṣūl al-muhimma, vol. 2, p. 759.
[5] . Qundūzī, Yanābīʿ al-mawadda, vol. 3, p. 128.
[6] . Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3768 https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:3768
[7] . Qur’an 33: 33.
[8] . Tirmidhī, Sunan al-Tirmidhī, vol. 5, p. 699; Ṣadūq, Maʿānī l-akhbār, vol. 2, p. 403.
[9] . Qur’an 42: 23.
[10] . Ibn Ḥanbal, Faḍāʾil Amīr al-Muʾminīn ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib, p. 295; Ṭabrisī, Majmaʿ al-bayān, vol. 9, p. 48.
[11] . Qur’an 33: 55.
[12] . Qur’an 3: 61.
[13] . Zamakhsharī, Tafsīr al-kashshāf, vol. 1, p. 369-370; Ṭabāṭabāʾī, al-Mīzān, vol. 3, p. 223.
[14] . Qur’an 76: 8-12.
[15] . Sheikh Mufid, Kitab al-Irhad, p. 254.
[16] . Sheikh Mufid, Kitab al-Irhad, pp. 254-255.
[17] . Muḥib al-Dīn Ṭabarī, Dakhā’ir al-‘uqbā, p. 140.
